Question
Jim,
I bought a house that has a pecan tree in the front yard.  I have noticed that some kind of beetle or bird has bored holes in straight horizontal rows all the way around the mature limbs to the top of the tree. The entire tree is affected. I think this tree is doomed if something isn't done to kill whatever is boring  holes around these limbs.
Please advise.  thank you. Jan

Answer
This is not beetles. It is a bird called a sapsucker--woodpecker. they make the holes and insects are attracted to the sap and the bird returns to eat the insects. You can spray the holes and bark area with an insecticide. This kills any insect that comes and with no insect the bird will stop. Any common insecticide will do--Raid for ants etc.